ED2011 Book Reviews

Nothing But The Poem – Discovering Poetry

By Camille Burns | Published on Saturday 20 August 2011

We were very cramped in the Writers’ Retreat. This was not a bad thing, however, as the risk of elbowing my neighbour served as a heartwarming reminder that many people are not only interested in poetry, but are willing to pay to discuss it. Any discomfort was quickly forgotten as we began reading the chosen poems, which, on this occasion, were sonnets by John Clare and Don Paterson. The discussions were thoughtful and the diversity of the group made for well-rounded (sometimes conflicting) readings of the poems. Fraser’s wish to have members of the group read out the poems, instantly created an atmosphere of familiarity conducive to good literary discussion. Altogether, a lovely way to spend a rainy afternoon.

Writers’ Retreat, Aug 16, 1.30pm (2.30pm), £8.00 – £10.00, eibfpp15.
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